When developing a Web site, it's always a good idea to consider how the site you're working on will appear on other people's different operating systems and browsers. With the rise in popularity of Internet-enabled phones and other devices, this visual check has never been more important. With so many different devices, checking all of them would require a lot of time and money. Luckily there's an application that makes this visual check a lot easier; just follow these steps to see for yourself.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 1: Download and install the latest version of the Opera Mobile Emulator for Windows or for Mac.
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 2: Navigate to the folder where you installed the program (in Windows 7 this will be C:\Program Files (x86)\Opera Mobile Emulator).

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 3: Run Launcher.exe in this folder. The Launcher lets you configure the mobile device you want to browse on.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 4: Select the device you want to use from the drop-down menu under the Profile heading.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 5: By default the rest of the settings will update based on the specs of that device. If your device is not included in the Mobile Emulator, you can manually enter the resolution and pixel density of it and save it to the list.
Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 6: Once you're ready, click the Launch button to begin.

Screenshot by Nicole Cozma

Step 7: Accept the terms and your browser will launch. You can now browse to the Web site you're testing by entering the URL into the address bar above.

About the author

Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
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